McCaffrey, a junior at Valor Christian in Highlands Ranch who has committed to Michigan, will be one of the few local skill players chosen for the national game that is played in San Antonio. Moretti, an offensive tackle at Pomona in Arvada, has pledged to rival Ohio State.

In addition, defensive back Isiahia Banks of Denver’s Mullen, athlete Dalton Keene of Chatfield in Littleton and defensive lineman Jonathan Van Diest of Cherry Creek in Greenwood Village also have been nominated, part of 400 nationally. Ninety will make the East and West teams.

McCaffrey, Moretti and Van Diest have been named All-Colorado by The Denver Post.

“The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is a unique event designed to showcase and recognize the talents of America’s youth while celebrating the team that makes a difference every day for the nation – the U.S. Army,” said Mark S. Davis, deputy assistant secretary of the Army for marketing. “This nomination recognizes the versatility and adaptability the athletes possess both on and off the field; qualities they share with U.S. Army Soldiers. We look forward to the 2017 Army All-American Bowl program that includes more than 200 events across the country and culminates in San Antonio during game week.”

The game will take place Jan. 7, 2017.

Players were nominated by the game’s selection committee that consists of representatives from All American Games, 247Sports, XOS Digital, and All American Games’ network of regional coaches throughout the country. The next step for nominees occurs in September, when the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Tour begins. Player finalists, along with U.S. Army All-American Marching Band members, will be announced nationwide throughout the fall, with the Selection Tour ending in early December.

The game is in its 17th year. The likes of McCaffrey’s older brother, Christian, as well as future college and NFL stars such as Odell Beckham Jr., Andrew Luck, Derrick Henry and Adrian Peterson made their national introductions as U.S. Army All-Americans. A total of 31 U.S. Army All-American alumni were drafted in the 2016 NFL Draft. The most recent game drew a crowd of 39,121 to the Alamodome.

Neil Devlin, originally from the Philadelphia area, has covered high school sports in Colorado for more than 30 years, writing about the people, athletes and events of the Rocky Mountain prep sports world.

Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson had butterflies before Sunday's game against the Detroit Red Wings. It wasn't because of the big-name opponent, but rather his return from a 13-game injury absence and being stoked to rejoin a team in a playoff push and looking for its third postseason appearance in 10 years.